John de Trocznow  A Bohemia Warrior 

 

The Saint That Resisted And Fought Back

 He makes my feet like the feet of a deer and sets me securely on the heights.He trains my hands for war;my arms can bend a bow of bronze.  Psalm 18; 33-34

  

 

 

There were times that the saints use forces to and formed an armed service and took up arms defend themselves. While the follower of Christ desire is to live a peacefully lives. However, there were times where war is a necessary evil to restore peace back in the community.  Like removing A cancerous growth from person body to safe the individual life. 

Such a person named was John de Trocznow, also known as Zisca is a Bohemian word, signifying one-eyed, where he enlisted and serve in the military in Poland. Where he lost one-eyed in military expedition.  Where he was deeply disturb by the mistreatment of his fellow countrymen John Hud. Who was a peaceful man, and a servant of Christ, and committed follower of Christ and taught the scripture in accordance of the apostles a taught his fellow countrymen the atoning work of Christ. 

Where John de Trocznow recruited 40,000 men and declared war against the emperor and the pope of Bohemia. Sieging the castle in Wisgrade, and destroying all the monasteries in his way. In one campaign he lost his other eye and was totally blind but still desirous of attending the army.

The emperor and monk formed their own army, and on the 13th of January, 1422, the two armies met on a spacious plain near Kamnitz. John de Trocznow,“ appeared in the centre of his front line, guarded, or rather conducted, by a horseman on each side, armed with a pole-axe. His troops having sung a hymn with a determined coolness drew their swords, and waited for a signal. When his officers had informed him that the ranks were all well closed,, he waved his sabre round. His head, which was the sign of battle. This battle is described as a most awful sight. Where imperial army were retreating. They attempted to cross the frozen river of Lgla. “ The ice gave way and not fewer than 2,000 were swalled up in the water. Zisca now returned to Tabor, laden with all the spoils and trophies which the most complete victory could give.

John de Trocznow again now began to pay attention to the reformation; he forbid all the prayers for the dead, images, sacerdotal vestments, fasts, and festivals. Priests were to be preferred according to their merits, and no one to be persecuted for religious opinions. 

Compelled to pass through a part of the country where the plague raged, he was seized with it at the castle of Briscaw and departed this life, October 6, 1424. Like Moses, he died in view of the completion of his labors, and was buried in the great Church of Czaslow, “Here lies John Zisca who, having defended his country against the encroachments of papal tyranny, rests in this hallowed place in despite of the pope His military in despite of the pope.” John Zisca was warrior and should commended as a warrior because he was ready to sacrifice himself for the freedom of fellow countrymen. Hero like him should be honour not belittle because he was used by God to eradicate the evil doer who sole purpose was to eliminate the follower of Christ pressed downtrodden the poor.

After his death the pope continues their  oppression, torturing, killing the saints again. Those who were taken experienced the most cruel tortures the infernal imaginations could invent; and, by their constancy evinced that a real Christian can surmount every difficulty, and despise ever danger to acquire a crown of martyrdom.

 

The following question were asks by the priests to the  follower of Christ;

1. Were you not both, some years ago, Augustine friars?

2. How came you to quit the bosom of the church of Rome? 3.    Do you believe in the writings of the fathers, and the decrees of the councils?

 Depend in how they answered the questions they were condemned as heretic subject to the stake and condemned to the flames, and received a crown of martyrdom. Often, thanking “God for granting them the opportunity, to suffered, and glorify Jesus name. They believed,“ Since it is the will of the Almighty that we should suffer for his name, and be persecuted for the sake of his gospel, we patiently submit, and are joyful upon the occasion; though the flesh may rebel against the spirit, and hearken to the council of the old serpent, yet the truths of the gospel shall prevent such advice from being taken, and Christ shall bruise the serpent’s head. We are not comfortless to confinement, for we have faith; we fear not affliction, for we have hope; and we forgive our enemies, for we have charity. Be not under apprehensions for us, we are happy in confinement through the promises of God, glory in our bonds, and exult in being thought worthy to suffer for the sake of Christ. We desire not to be released, but to be blessed with fortitude, we ask not liberty, but the power of perseverance; and wish for no change in our condition, but that which places a crown of “martyrdom upon our heads.” Their salvation is already sealed in heaven, and that the blood of Christ, in which they firmly put my trust, hath washed them from their iniquities. According to The Fox Book Of Matyrs Thomas Bilney a professor of civl law at Cambridge Utters these words “I have had many storms in this world, but now my vessel will soon be on shore in heaven.” He stood unmoved in the flames, crying out, “Jesus, I believe”;

While another saints utters these words,”“ “Be merry, my brethren, and lift up your hearts to God; for after this sharp breakfast I trust we shall have a good dinner in the kingdom of Christ, our Lord and Redeemer.” While another one said, “lifted up his eyes and hands to heaven, desiring the Lord above to receive his spirit. Parsons pulled the straw near to him, and then said to the spectators, This is God’s armour, and now I am a Christian soldier prepared for battle: I look for no mercy but only the Saviour, in him do I trust for salvation” Yet another uttered these words.” Lord, into thy hands I commend my spirit;” Or the words spoken by Philpot“Shall I disdain to suffer at the stake, when my Redeemer did not refuse to suffer the most vile death upon the Cross for me?”

While some recanted, they returned to their belief in the atoning work of Christ. They had been weak, yet they’re willing to convince the world that he was ready to die for the truth.

 In one instance a friar ask for Protestant gentleman that if “whisper your confession in my ear, and I will absolve your sins.” To this the gentleman loudly replied, “Trouble me not, friar, I have confessed my sins to God and obtained absolution through the merits of Jesus Christ.” Then turning to the executioner, he said, “Let me not be pestered with these men, but perform your duty.” On which his head was struck off at a single blow.” Where the Jesus was standing ushering him Into heaven gate. 

 Another tacit they would use against Protestant, “if did not embrace their faith, at least keep the things which you profess secret within your own bosom, and strive to prolong their lives.

In some cases, the reformer where execute privately in fear of riot due their popularly among masses?